Modular mount rack frame
A modular mount rack frame for storing mounted devices is described herein. A first embodiment includes a single modular rigid support structure with linearly aligned apertures into which screws can reversibly insert to support a mounted device. In a second embodiment two rigid support structures are stacked and aligned vertically, and they mechanically attach to each other. In this second embodiment, either of the two rigid support structures can support the other while contacting a flat horizontal surface. Both single module rigid support structure or two rigid support structures can attach to a rack base for mobility across a flat horizontal surface. Each modular rigid support structure is also laterally adjustable in horizontal length.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/364,495 filed Feb. 28, 2006 and its specification and drawings are incorporated herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to a mount rack frame for storing computer related devices such as servers, hubs, switches and routers. More particularly this invention relates to a mount rack frame with congruently aligned apertures for connecting plates, horizontal length adjustment, and vertically attaching two individual modular rigid support structures. Connecting brackets simultaneously attach to the devices and the mount rack frame, thereby effectively stacking them within the frame without shelves.
The prior art discloses cabinets for storage of computer related device which are expensive and cumbersome. They also require humidity and temperature controls because of their non-ventilated interior environment. Prior art storage structures also lack flexibility for adjusting the horizontal dimension of the mount rack frame whenever devices deviate from standard horizontal dimensions. Furthermore, because these prior art storage structures are not modular, they cannot stack vertically upon each other in an interchangeable manner. Prior art storage structures also do not exhibit reversibly attached rack bases by which the mount rack frame moves across a flat horizontal surface such as a floor.
The current mount rack frame solves these problems in an economical manner. With partially elliptical apertures and appropriate mechanical fasteners, the horizontal dimension within a standard mount rack frame is easily manually adjustable. The current mount rack frame is also lighter in weight, less expensive and easily assembled from interchangeable rigid components. If mobility is desired, each mount rack frame reversibly attaches to a rack base which includes wheels or coasters.
The current mount rack frame comprises numerous prototypes with dimensions which conform to standardized measurements (as well as multiples thereof) of the computer device industry. Because the mount rack frame is modular, one modular unit can vertically stack upon another modular unit which rests upon either the rack base or directly upon the flat horizontal surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe mount rack frame disclosed and claimed herein comprises at least one modular rigid support structure. Each modular rigid support structure contains two vertical components and two horizontal components, all of which are rigid and assembled within a very short time period. Each rigid horizontal component and rigid vertical component also contains partially elliptical apertures and screws. These apertures containing screws congruently align for horizontal adjustment of rigid vertical components, as well as for mechanical attachment to other rigid horizontal components.
Partially elliptical apertures containing screws are spaced along vertical and horizontal components in aperture pairs. Some partially elliptical apertures can contain a centrally positioned screw with a lateral clearance on either side of that screw of preferably and approximately 1/16 inch. As a result certain screws within specific partially elliptical apertures can move laterally, and this lateral movement results in an adjustable horizontal length between two rigid vertical components. These screws and partially elliptical apertures simultaneously attach vertical rigid components to horizontal rigid components.
Other congruently aligning apertures have different functions. For example, rigid horizontal components contain partially elliptical apertures for vertically aligning and attaching two modular rigid support structures to each other. There are also round apertures within rack base legs which attach a rack base to a single rigid support structure or two module mount rack frame.
There are also partially elliptical apertures within rigid vertical components for attaching (i) support plates with mechanical fasteners to stacked rigid support structures; and/or (ii) rack base legs to vertical rigid components.
Each rigid support structure has a horizontal length and vertical height of one ‘U,’ or a multiple thereof. A U is the unit of measurement in the computer industry, and each U designates a horizontal width of nineteen and a perpendicular height of one and three-quarters inches (for either an attached device or the actual mount rack frame). A second U standard designates a horizontal length of twenty-four inches, but the nineteen inch standard is more ubiquitous. Width (depth) of an attached device can vary and still remain within one U (or multiples thereof).
For example, a standard industry measurement of 3 U is equivalent to: (i) 57 inches in horizontal length of an attached device (or the modular rigid support structure), and (ii) 1.75×3 inches in height of the attached device (or vertical height interval along each rigid vertical component). Devices attach within each rigid support structure by sets of vertically and linearly aligned apertures and screws along the rigid vertical components. There are two sets of vertically and linearly aligned apertures along each rigid vertical component. As a result, the user can either attach the device more anterior or posterior along a modular rigid support structure.
In addition, each rigid vertical component end comprises apertures into which screws reversibly insert to attach a rack base. Each rack base comprises legs with locks, and coasters or wheels. These coasters or wheels provide mobility to the mount rack frame or single modular rigid support structure.
Each rigid horizontal component is interchangeable structurally and functionally with all other rigid horizontal components of the same length and width. Consequently any rigid horizontal component can function as an upper horizontal component or a lower horizontal component with respect to a supporting flat surface such as a floor. Each rigid horizontal component end contains partially elliptical apertures for (i) attaching a connecting plate to a two-module mount rack frame, or (ii) reversibly attaching a rack base to a rigid support structure.
To increase the storage capacity of the new mount rack frame, one modular rigid support structure is stacked and aligned vertically upon the other. Since each modular rigid support structure is identical in structure and function to the other, all rigid support structures function either as the bottom or upper (stacked) modular unit. Connecting plates, as well as additional screws, along the corresponding rigid horizontal components reversibly attach an upper aligned rigid support structure upon the lower modular rigid support structure.
Accordingly, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide an economical manner in which to store computer-related devices without the use of shelves.
It is also a goal of the present invention to provide an economical manner in which to store any device which can be mounted to a mount frame rack with brackets.
It is also a goal of the present invention to provide modular rigid support structures in which to store operable mounted devices.
It is also a goal for the present invention to provide a rack base attached to a modular rigid support structure for mobility.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide a device for adjusting the horizontal length of a modular rigid support structure.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide mechanical attachments by which a modular rigid support structure is vertically aligned upon another modular rigid support structure.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide modular rigid support structures which are structurally and functionally interchangeable with respect to vertical stacked alignment and attachment to a rack base.
These features, as well as other improvements of the present invention, are apparent after review of the attached figures and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS.
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Each first or second modular rigid support structure 2a, 2b can support itself and one additional vertically stacked additional rigid support structure 2a, 2b whenever entire mount rack frame 1 rests upon a flat horizontal surface such as a floor. The discussion below addresses a first modular rigid support structure 2a. However the description of structure, technical details and function also apply to modular second rigid support structure 2b, as well as other modular rigid support structures 2, unless otherwise noted.
Modular Rigid Support Structures 2a, 2b
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Each rigid component 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b is reversibly removable from remaining rigid components. Each horizontal rigid component 4a, 4b is structurally and functionally interchangeable with the other, while vertical rigid components 3a, 3b are also interchangeable, assuming their U values are identical.
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Similarly, each rigid vertical component end 15a, 15b comprises congruently aligning aperture vertical pairs 14aa, 14bb, 14cc; 14dd (generically aligned vertical pairs 14h). As best seen in
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Each partially elliptical aperture 17 within upper aperture pair 16 is preferably approximately 0.75 inch in maximum longitudinal length 14e, and comprises a midpoint 14i along length 14e. The same dimensions are also preferred for partially elliptical apertures 17 within aperture pairs 14 and aperture pairs 14h.
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Horizontally aligned first and second partially elliptical apertures 18a, 18b have two functions: (i) as insertion points for threaded small round screws 50b which attach first and second connector plates 90, 91 respectively to vertically stacked modular rigid support structures 2a, 2b infra; and (ii) for attachment of modular rigid support structure 2a, 2b to rack base legs 71a, 71b, infra.
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Rack Base 60
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Prior art locks 79 prevent mount rack frame 1 from inadvertent swiveling along a flat surface. These prior art-locking mechanisms are well known in the wheel and coaster attachment industry. Large round screws 50b are preferred for attachment of rack base 60 to each rigid support structure 2a, 2b, infra.
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In the preferred embodiment large round screws 50b and circular washers 50d attach rack base 60, infra, to each corresponding rigid vertical component end 15a or 15b. However other mechanical fasteners are also satisfactory in different prototypes of the invention.
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Each upwardly slanting side 73d is preferably approximately 1.50 inches in height at anterior leg end 71c and posterior leg end 71d. Flat lower side 73c is uniformly approximately 0.75 inch in height. Each side 73c, 73d preferably consists of a metal sheet which bends at a right angle to form base track 70g.
Connecting Plates 90, 91
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Plate apertures 92 are preferably equidistantly spaced from each other along plate edges 93a, 93b. Each plate aperture 92 is circular and of sufficient diameter to receive a large round threaded screw 50b. Plate apertures 92 can congruently align with corresponding horizontally aligned partially elliptical apertures 18a, 18b along vertical component ends 15a or 15b. Preferably component plate apertures 92 have the same diameter as each other.
Assembly of a Modular Rigid Support Structure 2a, 2b in the Best Mode
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The operator now selects second rigid vertical component 3b and inserts its rigid vertical component end 15a within second horizontal component end 19b. He or she also inserts second rigid vertical component ends 15b (of rigid vertical components 3a, 3b) within rigid horizontal ends 19a, 19b of a second rigid horizontal component 4b. He or she then congruently aligns partially elliptical apertures 17 within remaining vertical aperture pairs 14, 14h of first and second rigid horizontal components 4a, 4b and first and second rigid vertical components 3a, 3b respectively.
The operator then inserts and tightens small round screw 50a into each corresponding partially elliptical aperture 17 of each congruently aligned pair 14/14h as follows: 14a/14aa; 14b/14bb; 14c/14cc; and 14d/14dd. In the last step the operator checks to insure that all vertical component ends 15a, 15b and horizontal component ends 19a, 19b attach by congruently aligned partially elliptical apertures 17 with inserted small round screws 50a as described supra.
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Assembly of Mount Rack Frame 1 in the Best Mode
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The operator then inserts a small round screw 50a through each of the four pairs of congruently aligned apertures 18a/92a, 18b/92b and 18a/92c, 18b/92d. The operator repeats this same procedure with second connector plate 91 along rigid vertical component ends 15a, 15b of the remaining rigid vertical component 3a. Attachment of modular rigid support structures 2a, 2b to each other is thereby mechanically strengthened by connecting plates 90, 91.
Attachment of Mounted Device 78 to Mount Rack Frame 1 in the Best Mode
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During this step the operator inserts screw 50k into cage nut aperture 59c in a direction through the maximum opening of protruding cage nut flanges 59a, 59b. The operator repeats this identical process on the second opposing device side 78b (not seen in
The operator can orient mounting bracket bent end 75b so it attaches to rack apertures 8 of posterior crimped metal strip 36b or anterior crimped metal strip 36a of one rigid vertical components 3a or 3b. However, in other embodiments mounting options depend upon a particular manufacturer's features. To remove mounted device 78, the operator removes each Phillips screw 50k from congruently aligned cage nut 59, rack aperture 8 and bent racket aperture 75e with opposing device sides 78a and 78b.
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To do so, the operator loosens each small round screw 50a within partially elliptical congruently aligned aperture pairs 14 and 14h. In particular, the operator loosens small round screws 50a within both first and second rigid vertical ends 15a, 15b of rigid vertical component 3a and/or 3b. The operator must also loosen and remove screws 50b and washers 50d from aligned apertures 18a/81a, 18b/81b. In this manner either rigid vertical end 15a, 15b of a single rigid vertical component 3a or 3b can now move within its respective horizontal track 12.
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To decrease horizontal length 10a the operator manually moves each rigid vertical component 3a or 3b (or both) laterally inward within each corresponding track 12 until each small round screw 50a abuts innermost edge 14g of corresponding partially elliptical aperture 17. Screws 50b and washers 50d within congruently aligned apertures 18a/81a and 18b/81 must be loosed and removed, as with increasing horizontal length 10a, supra.
Materials and how to Produce Mount Rack Frame Components in the Best Mode
Preferably rigid vertical components 3a, 3b and rigid horizontal components 4a, 4b are made of SPCC quality cold rolled steel. However, materials such as copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory. Screws 50a, 50b, 50g, 50k, are preferably made of SPCC quality cold rolled steel, but materials such as copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory. Rack base legs 71a, 71b are preferably made of SPCC quality cold rolled steel, but copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory.
Mechanical prior art attachments to coasters on rack base 60 are preferably made of SPCC cold rolled steel, but copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory. Cage nuts 59 and washers 50d are preferably made of SPCC quality cold rolled steel, but copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory. Prior art connecting brackets 75 are preferably made of SPCC quality cold rolled steel, but copper or other rigid materials are also satisfactory.
Factory production of mount rack frame 1 components proceeds as follows:
- (a) Mold production;
- (b) Shear of steel sheets by numerically controlled computers;
- (c) Punching of sheared plate sheets;
- (d) Bending and folding of sheared metal plate sheets by numerically controlled computers; and
- (e) Application of a surface finish which includes:
- (1) degreasing;
- (2) acid pickling;
- (3) rust prevention and parkerizing applications;
- (4) pure water cleaning; and
- (5) static electricity prevention plastic which is painted upon the metal surface
Claims
1. A mount rack frame comprising:
- A. A first rigid support structure and a second rigid support structure, each said support structure comprising a first rigid vertical component and a second rigid vertical component,
- said first rigid support structure and said second rigid support structure each comprising a first rigid upper horizontal component and a second rigid horizontal lower component,
- said first and second rigid vertical components of each said support structure attaching to a plurality of connecting brackets,
- said plurality of connecting brackets attaching said rigid support structures to mounted devices,
- said second support structure and said first support structure each adapted to mechanically attach and align vertically upon each other while supported by a flat horizontal surface,
- B. A rack base, said first or second rigid support structures reversibly attaching to said rack base, said rack base adapted to move said first support structure and said second support structure across said flat horizontal surface, and
- C. Aligned apertures, said apertures containing screws, said apertures with said screws being adapted to adjust a horizontal lateral distance between said rigid vertical components of each said rigid support structure,
- wherein said first rigid support structure and said second rigid support structure reversibly attach to each other with screws, said screws inserting within partially elliptical apertures,
- wherein said mounted devices attach to said mount rack frame with screws,
- said mount rack frame further comprising connecting plates, said connecting plates attaching to said first rigid support structure and said second rigid support structure,
- said connecting plates thereby vertically attaching said first support structure and said second support structure to each other.
2. A mount rack frame comprising:
- A. A first rigid multi-component support structure and a second rigid multi-component support structure, each said rigid multi-component support structure comprising a first rigid vertical component and a second rigid vertical component,
- said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure each comprising a first rigid upper horizontal component and a second rigid horizontal lower component,
- said first and second rigid vertical components of each said rigid multi-component support structure attaching to a plurality of connecting brackets,
- said plurality of connecting brackets exclusively attaching said rigid multi-component support structures to mounted devices,
- said mount rack frame further comprising a horizontal dimension,
- said second rigid multi-component support structure and said first rigid multi-component support structure each mechanically attaching and aligning vertically upon each other while supported by a surface,
- B. A rack base, said first rigid multi-component support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure reversibly attaching to said rack base,
- said rack base specifically designed to support said mount rack frame and to move said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure across said surface,
- each said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure functioning without the remaining said first rigid multi-component support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure whenever said first rigid support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure attaches to said rack base, and
- C. A first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs, said first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs containing corresponding mechanical fasteners,
- said first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs containing said mechanical fasteners adjusting said horizontal dimension in a continuous manner, and
- wherein said rigid horizontal components comprise a second plurality of aligned partially elliptical aperture pairs,
- said second plurality of aligned partially elliptical aperture pairs within opposing said rigid horizontal components congruently aligning to reversibly attach said first rigid multi-component support structure to said second rigid multi-component support structure in vertical alignment whenever said mechanical fasteners insert within said corresponding congruently aligning partially elliptical aperture pairs.
3. A mount rack frame comprising:
- A. A first rigid multi-component support structure and a second rigid multi-component support structure, each said rigid multi-component support structure comprising a first rigid vertical component and a second rigid vertical component,
- said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure each comprising a first rigid upper horizontal component and a second rigid horizontal lower component,
- said first and second rigid vertical components of each said rigid multi-component support structure attaching to a plurality of connecting brackets, said plurality of connecting brackets exclusively attaching said rigid multi-component support structures to mounted devices,
- said mount rack frame further comprising a horizontal dimension,
- said second rigid multi-component support structure and said first rigid multi-component support structure each mechanically attaching and aligning vertically upon each other while supported by a surface,
- B. A rack base, said first rigid multi-component support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure reversibly attaching to said rack base,
- said rack base specifically designed to support said mount rack frame and to move said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure across said surface,
- each said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure functioning without the remaining said first rigid multi-component support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure when said first rigid support structure or said second rigid multi-component support structure attaches to said rack base, and
- C. A first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs, said first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs containing corresponding mechanical fasteners,
- said first plurality of aligned partially elliptical apertures pairs containing said mechanical fasteners adjusting said horizontal dimension in a continuous manner,
- said rigid horizontal components each comprising a second plurality of aligned partially elliptical aperture pairs,
- each said aligned partially elliptical aperture pair of said second plurality being positioned approximately four inches from adjoining said aligned partially elliptical aperture pairs of said second plurality,
- said partially elliptical aperture pairs of said second plurality being aligned parallel to each other along said rigid horizontal components,
- said aligned partially elliptical aperture pairs of said second plurality implementing said reversible attachment of said first rigid multi-component support structure and said second rigid multi-component support structure to each other.
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Type: Grant
Filed: May 12, 2011
Date of Patent: Nov 24, 2015
Inventor: Gorgius L. Yousif (Chicago, IL)
Primary Examiner: Joshua Rodden
Application Number: 13/068,471
International Classification: H05K 7/18 (20060101);
